PLANS to bring a Grade-II-listed building in Bradford city centre back into use and secure its future have been given the go ahead.

The proposals for the former Bradford Old Bank building on the corner of Kirkgate and opposite the Midland Hotel include converting the upper floors of the building into self-contained residential dwellings.

The application, submitted by Bingley & Scotts Ltd, also outlined a desire to find a commercial tenant for the ground floor and mezzanine.

A range of potential uses was outlined for the lower floors, including shops, a cafe or a drinking spot.

Documents submitted as part of the application said the four-storey building has been "extensively marketed" for commercial use since September 2014, but there's been little interest.

The building dates back to 1885 and was designed by Milnes and France architects, who also designed Bradford's Italianate Swan Arcade.

Bradford Old Bank Ltd was one of the founding 250 financial institutions that merged or amalgamated to become Barclays Bank. It was founded in 1803 by Edmund Peckover and his nephew Charles Harris, both of whom were from Bradford.

The building was most recently used as offices by social housing provider Incommunities, but has been vacant since 2017.

Many original features, including cornices, a cantilevered staircase and wrought iron balustrading, have been retained.

In consultation, Planning Officer Heather Flack described the building as an "important landmark building" in the city centre, with "significant architectural interest".

She said: "I am supportive of the change of use, which it is anticipated will provide a sustainable use for the building which will help secure its future and ongoing maintenance."

Her decision report said:"The proposal will bring an empty building back into operation, ensuring its long term upkeep.

"The works proposed to facilitate the development are visually acceptable and will maintain the character and significance of the listed building and wider conservation area without causing harm to residential amenity or highway safety."

Si Cunningham, Chair of the Bradford Civic Society, welcomed news of the application when it was lodged with Bradford Council.

He said it would bring a "fine listed building" back into use and would improve a "key gateway" into Bradford.

Set against the backdrop of the re-opening of St George's Hall and the Bradford Live development, he said there is a "great opportunity" to boost the city's evening economy.

"I’m sure many people would welcome a restaurant or something similar," he said.

"That historic quarter from Forster Square down towards City Hall is one of the most impressive streetscapes in the UK.”